Triple thanks to Michelle Heidenrich Barnes this week!! Not only is she hosting Poetry Friday at Today’s Little Ditty, but she also featured a poem of mine a few days ago — too many happy accolades (fanning myself). And lastly, in a give-away on her site, I won a copy of Stone Mirrors: The Sculpture and Silence of Edmonia Lewis by Jeannine Atkins! I started Stone Mirrors, and it is an addictive novel-in-verse about a fascinating woman who leaves everything behind, more than once. So much to be thankful for, my little heart is full! Thanks, Michelle!

Good Evening! I am unwinding from a long, long week and busy day. And, I love camping! I don’t mind the dirt or the outside living. My favorite job is finding the kindling for campfires. I can spend hours picking up itty bitty sticks, making sure we have enough for starting the bonfire….and again for early coffee before anyone else is up. I am a fire tender, I supposed.
Those long laughs. Oh, they ARE boats aren’t they?! I love how you have made them into something new but familiar in your piece.
Great new photo at the top of your blog. Thinking of spring?

Hi Linda, glad you are unwinding. I’ve been working on my novel. 🙂 Camping is so fun. Sleeping outside. Seeing the stars. Waking at dawn. My favorite task was finding plates for dessert. 🙂 And putting more wood on the fire.

Love this, Brenda, and yes, I’ve camped a lot, early as a child, with my husband, then with the kids, and tons with students. I love the part about family becoming strangers in the dark, exactly right, and this “Night falls with a cold shower of tasks”. Yes, I remember teeth chattering while washing dishes by firelight, waiting waiting for the sleeping bag. Thanks for the memories!

I grew up camping each and every summer – we didn’t have a lot of money growing up, but we could always throw a tent in the car and head out to a provincial park campground! As I got a bit older I started to wish I could have the exotic and glamorous holidays my classmates had, flying out to Disneyland, taking cruises and touring Europe. But looking back, I’m so glad I had those outdoor experiences, learning to appreciate and explore nature, to entertain myself, and to make the best of any situation!

I love the idea of long laughs, for some reason that made me feel nostalgic. Your poem reminded me of times I sat around with people i enjoy talking to and having those long laughs. Lovely poem Brenda, thanks for sharing this.